Farmer-members of United Egg Producers from across the U.S. dedicated time during the UEP Legislative meetings to meet with their elected officials and staff, present UEP position papers and be a leading voice for farmers and agribusiness.

Tom Hertzfeld, Jr., UEP Government Relations Chair, shared his perspective on the importance of legislative visits. “While we try to meet with our Congressional representatives while in Ohio, it is equally important to meet with them and their key aides in Washington D.C.” Hertzfeld continued with an example of how the meetings allow farmers to share the real impacts for businesses and constituents, citing specifically a visit with Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) who was receptive to labor concerns. “He agreed that we need policy that will allow our farms to have a consistent, year-round labor supply.”

UEP believes that farmers are the most effective advocates to bring a real-world, local and personal perspective to various issues. Each May UEP coordinates such visits for egg farmers nationwide to meet with their Congressional representation and their aides in Washington, D.C.

Photo: Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA, center) met with Iowa egg farmers, including J.T. Dean (center) and Jim Dean (right) during the recent UEP legislative meetings. Photo credit: Lisa Beohm.